Web-based technology news source CNET.com reported last week that a version of the Cabir virus has turned up in two Nokia 6600s
on display in a California cell phone store. CNET said it is believed to be the first known occurrence of the virus in the U.S. CNET said the virus could have been conveyed to the display phones using Bluetooth antennas and the virus could then have been spread to passing phones. CNET said that Nokia officials would not comment on the report.
CNET said the Cabir virus has morphed from a harmless concept to the malicious versions now found in a dozen countries, including Finland, where Nokia is headquartered, the United Kingdom and Singapore.
“The malicious software has destroyed files, forced phones to dial expensive 900 numbers or 911, and made them crumble under denial-of-service attacks, in which the device gets so much inbound traffic it can't function properly,” CNET reported.